Introduction

Dominica is located between the French Islands of Guadeloupe (which lies to the north) and Martinique. Known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, Dominica is a volcanic Island with a unique micro-climate. There are lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, thundering waterfalls, abundance of rivers, lakes, cloud-covered hills, sulphur springs, pools of bubbling therapeutic mud and hot mineral streams. This island is a must for eco-tourists, naturalists, botanists, and visitors seeking holiday adventure. Dominica is one of the few Caribbean islands that have truly changed very little since Columbus visited and named it 500 years ago. The indigenous Carib Indians named the island Waitukubuli which means "tall is her body" in the Carib language. The island's official name is the Commonwealth of Dominica, which is mostly referenced in official communiqué and to distinguish the Island from its northerly Caribbean sister, the Dominican Republic.

History

Explored by Columbus in 1493, Dominica was claimed by Britain and France until 1763, when it was formally ceded to Britain. Along with other Windward Isles, it became a self-governing member of the West Indies Associated States in free association with Britain in 1967. The island gained its independence on November 3rd 1978.

Culture

Almost all Dominicans are descendants of African slaves brought in by colonial planters in the 18th century. Dominica is the only island in the eastern Caribbean to retain some of its pre-Columbian population--the Carib Indians--about 3,000 of whom live on the island's east coast. Although the Carib language has perished, they have their own territory, where their baskets and wood-carvings are sold to visitors and some of their local traditions are maintained. Dominica has a rich culture where you find Africans, half-breed, and European, European, Syrian, and Amerindian.

Map

To See

Dominica's natural wonders and rich cultural heritage make it an exceptional ecotourism destination. Morne Trois Pitons National Park was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern Caribbean and offers wonderful treks. You’ll see mist-veiled peaks looming over the rainforest and marvel at the Boiling Lake, where sulphurous springs sizzle and steam at up to 92C. This tropical Island has 365 rivers, many of them providing excellent swimming. When you hike through the island's forests, you are as close to nature as it is possible to get. Rich in ferns, wild orchids and giant, flowering trees, they are home to bats, iguanas, stick insects and blacksmith beetles so big they can be heard moving about on the forest floor.

Usefull Information

Airports: Canefield Airport and Melville Hall Airport. The Canefield Airport, which is 15 minutes from Roseau, accommodates small aircrafts offering intra-regional flights. International flights from US and Europe are connected to the island through hubs in Antigua, Barbados, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Area: 754 km2 (289.5 square miles).
Business: Banks are open Monday to Thursday, 8am-3pm, and 8am-5pm on Fridays.

Capital: Roseau

Climate: The island's annual temperature averages at 27 C. Frequent rainfall cools the tropical heat, nourishes the island's extensive rainforest, and feeds its rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Coolest months are December to March.

Clothing: Light cotton clothes are recommended. Furthermore, at any time of the year raining clothes are advisable too.

Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC).

Customs: Visitors of Dominica over 18 years old are allowed 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco, and 2 litres of distillated beverages.

Economy: The Dominican economy depends on agriculture, primarily bananas, and remains highly vulnerable to climatic conditions and international economic developments. Tourism has increased as the government seeks to promote Dominica as an "ecotourism" destination.

Electricity: 220-240 volts, 50 cycles.
Entry & Departure requirements: Please refer to the official tourist office website link below or contact us.

Health: There are three public hospitals on the island. Several specialists and general practitioners operate private clinics.

Holidays: New Year’s Day (01-02JAN), Carnival Monday (FEB), Good Friday, and Easter Monday (MAR-APR), Labour day (MAY), Whit Monday (MAY-JUN), Emancipation Day (AUG), Independence Day (NOV), Community Service Day (NOV), Christmas (25-26DEC).

Language: English; French-based Creole/Patois widely spoken.
Political status: Independent nation, member of the Commonwealth.

Population: 72,386.

Religion: Mainly Roman Catholic but many Protestant denominations also represented.

Security: Dominica has a relatively low crime rate and does not have the extremes of wealth and poverty evident on other islands.

Shopping: Shops open on weekdays from 8am-4pm with a break for lunch. Saturdays : 8am-1pm.

Taxes & Service charges: Room tax - 7%. Service charge 12%. A departure tax is levied on all passengers (except children under 12 years old) leaving Dominica by ferry or plane. It is EC59 or US23 per person.

Telecommunications: The international dialling code for Dominica is +1 767 followed by seven digits.

Time: Standard Time Zone: GMT – 4 hrs. Dominica Island Time does not operate Daylight-Saving Time.

Transportation: Driving is on the left hand side of the road. Rentals require a temporary local license that can be obtained at a fee from the airports or at the Traffic department, on presentation of a valid driver’s license.

MORE INFORMATION:http://www.discoverdominica.com/